by K. C. Turner
“Mr. Burk, before Mrs. DeFranco told her husband about the affair, do you have any idea what kind of relationship they had?”
“I don’t know, man. I only know what Pam told me. Brandon worked all the time. She said he was married to his work; he didn’t want a wife let alone a child. She wasn’t happy. I seemed to make her happy.”
“Mr. Burk, did Mrs. DeFranco ever mention a Samantha Brown?”
“Pfft, yeah. I think she’s the reason Pam and I got together in the first place. She suspected Brandon was having an affair with her but she could never prove it.”
“Did you ever get the impression that Mr. and Mrs. DeFranco’s marriage was in a volatile state?”
Damian’s reaction to the question was a mix between a sigh and a laugh. “Pam was sleeping with me and Brandon was more than likely sleeping with Sam. What do you think?”
The reality of his answer struck Martinez to the core. He knew it was a stupid question, but one that had to be asked. “Mr. Burk, I do appreciate your time and your candidness. If I have any other questions, do you mind if I reach you at this number?”
“Look, man, I called you for Pam. I’ve told you everything I know. Just find the asshole responsible for this.”
“Thank you, Mr. Burk. You have -”
Martinez looked at the receiver of his phone after he heard the click on the opposite end and took a breath. He hung up the phone and crosschecked the number on the caller ID to the number on Pam’s phone records. It was confirmed to be Damian Burk. That didn’t help him in the least to find out the mystery number that texted Pam’s phone. He went back to the Internet to find out a little more about Marshal Media Corporation. After clicking on a few links he found what he was looking for.
Once again he picked up the receiver and dialed another number. After selecting a couple prompts, he finally reached a human. “Yes, hello. This is Detective Angel Martinez with the Silverton Police Department. I need to speak with Mr. Jim West, please.”
“What’s this regarding?”
“I’m afraid it’s a personal matter.”
“One moment please.” Once the operator put him on hold, he heard a recording for the end of the summer festivities in down town Silverton.
Jim West answered on the opposite end. “Detective Martinez, good morning! What can I do for you this fine day?”
“Hello, Mr. West. I was hoping you could answer some questions for me regarding my investigation into the death of Pamela DeFranco.”
“Well, Detective, I’ve been expecting a call from you for some time. You can ask as many questions as you like, however, I’m afraid each and every answer of mine will be to refer you to our legal department.”
“You mean to tell me you refuse to answer some simple questions regarding policy at the Silverton Tribune?”
Jim laughed. “I’m not refusing to answer anything, Detective. I am simply referring you to our legal department.”
Becoming frustrated, Martinez asked, “So let me get this straight, you’re a ‘journalist’; the first ones to cry you want to get to the truth of matters and blast them into the world for everyone to read about. And when it comes down to it, when it affects you, you decide to run from facts? You have no problem defaming SPD and any other public servant, but you haven’t even written a single thing regarding this investigation or Mr. DeFranco’s possible involvement. Do you really want to risk the integrity of your newspaper by not cooperating?”
Jim confidently replied, “Ah, and that is where you are mistaken. I believe we’re a lot more alike than you wish to admit. In our work, we both get to the truth of certain matters following basic Constitutional principals. And that is the epitome of integrity. We also protect our own. I see no need to inform the public, yet, of anything regarding this investigation. And as far as I’m concerned, Brandon has given you a solid alibi and you have nothing showing he was involved. If you want to try and ruin the name of one of my top journalists, you’re certainly not going to get any help from me if I’m not legally obliged. You do your job, I’ll do mine. Good day, Detective.”
His frustration turned to anger as he heard the headset of the phone clangor on the other end. Hanging up his receiver, he ran his fingers through his cropped hair and took a deep breath before rushing to draft a warrant aimed at the Silverton Tribune. With the information he had, the judge was sure to sign it and he vowed to personally deliver it to Jim West himself.
Warrant in hand, he made his way downstairs to the station. Officer Lucas was bringing a drug suspect in for processing, Martinez interrupting his path. “Hey, Lucas, you gotta minute?”
Lucas ordered his handcuffed suspect to the bench beside them. “Don’t go anywhere.” He winked sarcastically. Walking over to Martinez, he asked, “What’s up?”
He lifted his chiseled chin questionably. “You find out anything about our mystery Buick down at the docks or heard anything from Border Patrol?”
Lucas pursed his lips in a disappointing manner and shook his head. “Dead end. Border Patrol was in the middle of their shift change, so nothin’ there. And the Buick belongs to a homeless guy. Parks down there some nights and moves his car periodically so we leave him alone. Even if he did see something, he ain’t talking.”
Patting him on the shoulder, he continued towards the Judge’s chambers. “All right, man. Thanks.”
China had a long day at court and took a late lunch. When she arrived back at the office, she dropped her things on her desk and slid across the hall to see Elizabeth. Seating herself in one of the chairs across from the desk, she crossed her tan legs and gracefully placed her hands on her knees. “Sooo, my pretty. How was your little meeting with the Wicked Witch?”
Stopping her work at the computer, Elizabeth sat back and placed her arms on the branches of the chair. “It pretty much ended in a stalemate. But no monkeys were circling, so there’s that. Peggy basically tried to tell Marilyn I was insubordinate for going to the funeral and Marilyn wasn’t seeing it her way. I guess when Chief Holden called Marilyn about the complaint, he went to bat for me.”
China’s eyes glowed. “Wow, no kidding. I need me one of those detective thingies!” She laughed out loud at her own comment.
Tilting her head she batted her lashes and flicked a lock of her hair flirtatiously, Elizabeth said, “Don’t hate.”
“I’m sure it would be a different story if you crashed the funeral or something.” She shook her head out of frustration. “It’s not that serious.”
“I just don’t get why Peggy is so hell-bent on trying to get me in trouble with Marilyn.”
“I told you Liz, she’s jealous. Plain and simple. You’re a threat to her. We both are.” She shrugged her shoulders.
“So where did you go after court anyway?”
Flexing her eyebrows, she gave Elizabeth a devious grin. “I had my own pretrial with a sexy defendant. Putting that man away for any amount of time, not being able to please a woman, should be a crime in itself.”
Elizabeth scrunched her nose. “Eew. I think I need a shower now.” She shuddered. “Okay, now that I have that thought out of my head.”
“What? Just stating facts. Too bad I can’t talk to the judge. Try and get him off, ya know?” She pulled a mirror from her purse and checked her lipstick. “Oh wait, I just did!” Laugher rumbled from the bottom of her belly.
Smiling, Elizabeth looked down and placed her forehead in her hand, shaking it from side to side. Glancing back up at China and giggling she said, “You need serious help. But I still love you. And actually I’ve decided to take some of your advice, believe it or not.”
Her face turned from surprised to excited. “Really? You decided to try that little trick I told you about with Martinez, didn’t you?”
“No! I swear is that all you ever think about?”
She sat for a moment contemplating.
“Forget I asked.” With a slight giggle, she put her hands up and redirected the conversation. “No, I decided to lis
ten to you and Martinez and renew my CPO. He said he would hand deliver it to Steve himself. We’re pretty sure I wouldn’t have a problem getting it with the phone call and everything that went on with Johnnie Warren.”
“Oh, I’m so glad, Liz! Look at you.” She graciously placed her hand on her chest. “Taking advice from me.” Becoming serious, she flung her bangs our of her eyes, crossed her hands back on her knees, and said, “I’m sure that Latin lover of yours plays a bigger role than I do. But, I’ll take it. So, when do we go to court?”
“It will have to be today or tomorrow considering he’s being released Friday. We just have to talk with Marilyn and let her know. And I’m sure she will want me to fill in Peggy and let her know what’s going on, considering she’s our ‘superior’ and all...”
Confidently walking into the prosecutor’s office lobby, Martinez smiled and waved at Andrea on the other side of the glass. She perked up when she saw him and hit the buzzer allowing him entry. Turning the corner, he leaned on the cabinet separating Andrea’s desk from the hall. He smiled wide. “How’s it going?”
“Hey, Martinez! How are you? If you’re looking for Elizabeth, she’s in her office,” she offered as she cheerfully turned back to her computer screen.
“Hey, thanks, I’ll get with her in a sec, but I was hoping Marilyn was in.”
Stopping what she was doing again, Andrea turned to him and mashed her lips together. “Hmm. I’m not sure exactly. I heard the door earlier but feel free to go back.”
Walking past the secretaries, Martinez offered his hellos. He stood at the threshold of Marilyn’s office and tapped his knuckle on the door. She looked up from her scattered desk. “Hey kiddo. Whatcha got for me,” she asked as she continued to look for something in the sea of papers.
He took a seat across from her and propped his right foot up on his opposite knee. “I think Brandon DeFranco is good for killing his wife.”
She stopped shuffling papers and looked up at him. “Is that right?”
Excited at her response, he leaned over the desk and handed her a summary of his investigation to date. “I just wanted to run all this by you before I move forward. I still need to deliver the warrant to the Tribune, but I’m confident of the confirmation. And of course, Holden wants me to bring him in for questioning one more time, see if we can get any more info out of him.”
She studied the documents in her hand. “Seems to be in order. It’s circumstantial but I’ve gotten convictions on less. What do you make of the girlfriend?”
He rubbed his five o’clock shadow. “Well, she is his alibi. She could be lying to protect him. She could be involved. I’m going to try and bring them both in at the same time, pin them against each other if possible.”
Pulling off her glasses, she placed the end of the frame between her teeth and wrapped her thin lips around it. Twisting her chair back and forth a couple times, she said, “See if you can get anything out of them. I mean, the more we have the better, of course. But I think I’m comfortable with what you have here.”
Nodding his head, he said, “Alright. That’s all I needed. I’ll get the warrant served this afternoon.”
She smiled and winked at him. “Good work, Detective.” She put her glasses back on and returned to her paperwork.
“Thank you, Marilyn.” He started to step out of her office and turned back around. “Hey, is it okay if I stop back and see Liz before I go?”
She looked up over her frames at him. “About that. You know it doesn’t bother me about you and Elizabeth helping each other. I mean we’re both on the same team here. Just remember, I’m not the only person she reports to now.”
He sucked in his bottom lip and bit down hard before nodding at her again. “Copy that.”
Walking back through the main office, he smiled at all the secretaries and headed down the hall to Elizabeth’s office. As he approached, he heard Elizabeth and China laughing. Leaning into the doorway, he said, “Now ladies, it sounds like we are having way too much fun in here.”
Perking up in her chair, Elizabeth’s face lit up. “Hey, you!”
He looked at her possessively but lovingly. “Hey, yourself.” He moved his eyes to China. “Hey, China. How’s it goin’?”
Seeing that as her cue to leave, China picked up her things and walked past him, giving him sexy eyes. “Hey Martinez…” She turned back to Elizabeth and winked at her. “You kids behave now.”
Taking the seat that China occupied, he made himself comfortable. “So how’s your day going, Bella?”
She smirked and rolled her eyes. “It’s going, I guess. Good to see your smiling face though!”
“Well, maybe I can make it a little better for ya.”
Her face was speculative and she giggled out loud. “Well you can certainly try.”
He sat back in the chair with confidence. “I just spoke with Marilyn about my investigation on Pam DeFranco’s death and I’m pretty sure I should be making an arrest before the weekend.”
“Really? Well I guess that is some good news for a change.”
He pulled the warrant out of his pocket and waved it in front of her. “Yep. I just need to deliver this warrant to Jim West’s smug ass and solidify my suspicion. After I get what I need, I’ll bring in Brandon DeFranco and his little girlfriend one last time, try and get one or both of them to give me something. Regardless, I’ll have enough for an arrest.”
A confused look swept across her face. “You know, I’m not a huge fan of the Tribune either, but it seems like you take it a little personal. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I took some of their articles a little personal myself but...”
Leaning forward he attempted to defend his stance. “I don’t have a problem with freedom of speech, Liz. What I do have a problem with is trying to protect someone who is guilty behind some Constitutional bullshit.” He proceeded to tell her about his last conversation with Jim.
The look on her face was sympathetic. “Angel, I understand where you are coming from, but to be honest, I understand his side as well. He’s not obligated to share anything with you. But that’s why you have that warrant in your hand. You can’t blame him for making you take the proper legal steps to get what you want, can you? He’s right, you know. But so are you.”
A little put off, he thought for a moment. “I get what you’re saying. But Jim West is a smug asshole. I can’t wait to deliver this.”
Tilting her head in a compassionate manner, she said, “I want Brandon DeFranco as much as you do, but, I don’t know, I guess we both need to put things in proper prospective when it comes to the Tribune. If it’s not Jim West and Brandon DeFranco spewing their hate of SPD and the prosecutor’s office, you know it would be someone else.” She shrugged her shoulders.
He sighed. “Yeah, you got a point. But it’s still gonna feel damn good setting this on his desk and bringing Brandon down.”
“I get it. So, how ‘bout I give you a little piece of information from my arsenal?”
He perked up. “Oh yeah? Whatchu got, Strong?”
“Interestingly enough, Pam’s sister, Janet Burrows, called me after lunch. Said she received some mail for Pam at her house. From a divorce attorney.”
He smirked. “So, she was seeking a divorce? Classic,” he said as he shook his head.
She smacked her lips as she spoke. “Yeah, it appears so. Are we surprised?” she asked sarcastically.
“Not in the least. It also comes as no surprise it’s officially a homicide. Dr. Wexler emailed me the autopsy report confirming the cause of death. He also confirmed she was pregnant.”
Sadness washed over her face. “Oh my God, seriously?”
“Yeah, I know, right? Hopefully, once I nail this bastard, Marilyn will authorize two murder charges.”
She sighed. “Hopefully.” There was a silent pause. Elizabeth tried to push the visuals out of her head. “Hey, can you do me a favor?”
“Of course, Liz. Anything.”
“Can you let me k
now as soon as an arrest is made and let me tell the family? I’ve been working pretty close with Janet. I would really like to be the one to tell her.”
“I can absolutely do that.” He stood up to head out.
Standing with him, Elizabeth had one more request. “Hey, I know your busy today, but I was hoping you were free tomorrow afternoon, say after lunch?”
“I don’t have anything going on so far, unless of course I can get Brandon in again for questioning. Why, what’s up?”
She took a deep breath. “Well, China and I are going over to court. I have my petition for a CPO filled out and I’m ready to request it from the judge.”
His face showed signs of shock and relief as he steadied himself against the doorframe. “Wow. Okay. Of course, I’ll be there. Just say the word. I’ll be sure to clear my calendar after lunch.”
Stepping toward him, she placed her hand on his arm and looked up into his brown eyes. “Thanks.”
He gently took hold of her chin with his thumb and his forefinger. “I’ll call you later, k?”
Smiling as she nodded, her eyes didn’t leave him as he walked down the hall and out the door.
Chapter 14
Brandon arrived at the Tribune early Thursday morning. He was dressed for work in a light blue and white-checkered shirt and khakis. Reaching Jim’s office, he rapped on the door and smiled. Jim, however, did not appear to be happy to see him.
“What are you doing here, Brandon? You’re supposed to be on bereavement until next week.”
Shutting the door behind him, he took a seat across from Jim. “I know, I know, but I can’t just sit around, Jim. It’s driving me nuts.” He tossed a flash drive on the desk. “I finished the article series I told you about.”
Sighing and shaking his head, he looked Brandon in the eyes. “There isn’t going to be any series. I’m sorry, Brandon.”
Looking confused and shocked, Brandon questioned his authority. “What the hell are you talking about? Jim, I’ve been working on this for weeks, man! The public has a right to this information. SPD and the prosecutor’s office over step their bounds daily. Don’t you think enough is enough?”
